Enterprise and Innovation
Agricultural Diversification Programme
Workers loading a wood chipper for producing fuel for boilers from timber, part of the wood fuels supply chain established by the Farms Energy Network
"Agricultural diversification support package for rural Leicestershire"
The Agricultural Diversification Programme targeted rural regeneration to achieve increases in employment, skills and new business formation.
Organisation: Leicestershire County Council
Completion Date: 31/03/2004
Location
Rural Leicestershire
Project Description
The range of support offered by this package will ensure that opportunities are in place for the farming and land based sectors to adapt to the pressures with which they are faced. The programme will ensure that Leicestershire's rural economy will be strengthened and made more sustainable - Richard Thumpston, Senior Regeneration Officer, Leicestershire County Council
The package included the following elements: Redundant Building Grants, Farms Energy Network Initiative, Equestrian Support Initiative and Practical Skills for Land Based Industries.
How support is given
Examples of the support offered included the provision of grants to realise the conversion potential of redundant rural buildings, the widening of participation in learning in the land-based sector, support measures for equestrian businesses and facilitation of the development of the biomass heat sector. All of these elements contribute to diversification opportunities for rural businesses.
Outcomes
New Life for Redundant Buildings Initiative
Seven schemes were completed to make 1,936 m2 of refurbished employment floor-space, creating or safeguarding up to 40 jobs in rural areas. (Click on link above for more information)
Farms Energy Network
Five installations were completed and the wood fuels supply chain was developed considerably as a result. None of this would have been possible without LSEP funding.
Equestrian Support Initiative
A feasibility study assessing the scope for extending equestrian facilities at the Defence Animal Centre which will be used to enhance specialist training and the development of sustainable local businesses.
Practical Skills for Land-based Industries
The project has maintained the momentum for increased training levels established using SRB6 funding and has restored confidence in training within the sector.
Project Contacts
Project manager:
Richard Thumpston
Tel: 0116 265 7132
E-mail: rthumpston@leics.gov.uk
Websites: www.oakleaves.org / www.ruralenergy.co.uk
LSEP contact:
Niloofar Sarkari
E-mail: niloofars@lsep.co.uk
Website: www.lsep.co.uk
